Eating Vegan Has Real Positive Results

In October 2010, I sat in my doctor's office as she told me I needed to go on statin drugs because my cholesterol was quite high.  Total cholesterol 235; "bad" cholesterol 179.  She said the numbers needed to be below 200 and below 100, respectively.  Statin drugs were the way to go.

I disagreed.  I told her I wanted to research and see if lifestyle would work.  She listened.  She was skeptical. 

But, she agreed to let me try.  "Eight weeks is what I'll give you."

So, we researched and found Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's book,  Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease.  His research on patients with severe heart disease showed that "within months on Dr. Esselstyn’s program, their cholesterol levels, angina symptoms, and blood flow improved dramatically."  The patients who followed his diet recommendations survived beyond 20 years and were free of symptoms. 

"After 5 years on Dr. Esselstyn’s plant-based diet, the average total cholesterol levels of his research group dropped from 246 milligrams per deciliter to 137 mg/dL (Above 240 mg/dL is considered “high risk,” below 150 mg/dL is the total cholesterol level seen in cultures where heart disease is essentially nonexistent.)"

So, we became vegan in late October 2010.  We've only been vegan for 9 months, and while we started with Dr. Esselstyn's strict diet, we, candidly, have not strictly followed a "no oil" and "no processed" food regimen.  We've been very careful, but once in awhile  I'll eat a  vegan cookie--with sugar, white flour, and vegan margarine.  Or, I'll have some Coconut Bliss "ice cream." 

Yesterday, I got my second cholesterol test results:  Total cholesterol dropped from 235 to 151.  "Bad" cholesterol dropped from 179 to 94.  Not only do the numbers meet my doctor's standards--she told me that whatever I'm doing, to keep it up!--but my total cholesterol is only 1 point above the level seen in cultures where heart disease is "essentially nonexistent."  

Before Total Cholesterol: 235

Total  Chol. after 6 wks.:  167

Total Chol. after 9 mos.:  151

Before BAD Cholesterol:  179

BAD Chol. after 6 wks.:    109

BAD Chol. after 9 mos.:      94

The numbers are great, but the best part is that I feel better than ever.  We've lost weight without even trying -- Larry lost about 35 pounds and I lost about 20 pounds--I sleep better, my arthritis doesn't hurt, my husband's dandruff has disappeared, and lumps I had in my neck and breasts have shrunk considerably. 

I'm so grateful for Dr. Esselstyn's work!  And, the food we eat now looks as beautiful as it tastes: fresh, beautiful fruits, veggies, and whole grains.